[Randall Thomas]

Ed, you have nothing to apologize for. Remember, while you were in the front of all of us running the event, anyone one of us could have stepped up and stopped the show. Further, the police at the other end taking radar shots also certainly could have stepped up and shut them guys down... and while they should have, I think they too were caught up in the exhilaration. Lot's of "should-have's" and "could-have's" to go around for everybody.

Everyone is responsible for their own actions, even though unfortunately you'd have to ultimately be the one to answer for them if something would have gone wrong. for that, we all should apologize to YOU. While I did not make any London runs, I feel just as responsible for the way it "could have" gotten out of hand as you did, and I'll bet many other as well... that's why this thread seems so emotional as some here appear to be "scolding themselves" as punishment. We don't need to be doing that... the point is understood I thinking by everyone... it's just that some are defending Ed and the fling out of loyalty. Don't confuse that with thinking they are somehow irresponsible. I believe everyone here wants a safe event no matter what, and I believe no one here would sacrifice safety and the health of this event for a cheap high speed thrill. I also understand that a compromise needs to be reached to get the best of both rather than just going to the extreme one side or another..

One thing to remember, no matter what could have went wrong, the important part is that this time it DIDN'T go wrong. That doesn't make what took place any better, however, it just means that DV-3 was all it could be and more!!! It was a great time to remember, and there maybe a few things no one will ever see again at this or any event, and that's ok.

Ed, you could have the fling as a parkinglot show with no prizes or hype and it'd still be a great time, and I'd be there. I hope it won't come to that, but the events really don't matter as much as the camaraderie of the people there and just the event happening, period.

It looks like some learning was done, some ideas for next time have been cultivated and possibly some people to draw on for even more help has been identified.

Rest assured that anything you do not want to take place will NOT happen, because you just deputized a whole group here that will watch your backside when you may not be around at the event, and it will NOT get out of hand again, if for nothing else, in direct respect for you and your efforts in keeping this event safe and respectable as you have inspired it.

I hope this came out right and it's understood that we owe you something Ed, and now it's time to repay that back to you in the form of all being part of the new Fling "Safety Committee".

Deputy Randy... at your service, sir!